TUC staff attended the University of Birmingham Jobs Fair to talk them through the potential pitfalls of getting a summer job. Regional Policy and Campaigns Officer Alan Weaver, and Chayoung Jeong, Vulnerable workers project officer, spent the day talking to students about the National Minimum Wage, health and safety, and the pitfalls of working for a poor boss.
"Not every employer is a bad one" said Alan Weaver, "many will treat their temporary staff very well and there will be no problems. However, from experience we know that some students are taken advantage of during their employment, and we aim to ensure more know their rights when dealing with their boss".
Chayoung added, "many of the young people we spoke to were international students and had no idea of their employment rights. Hopefully the message will get through that no one should be exploited or mistreated in work.
The visit came about because of the close working relationship with the students union based Jobzone which helps place students into work through vetted employers who meet the stringent procedure's laid down by the University. "We value our relationship with the Jobzone staff," said Alan Weaver, "they provide a fine service for students and are called in where there are the occasional problems. We help if we can and are very pleased to attend the termly Job Fairs to support students seeking work".
